Sault Ste. Marie Kiwanis Club Celebrates 100 Years of Serving Children

The local volunteer organization has supported youth programs and community initiatives since 1926.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of stacks of pancakes in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the Kiwanis Club's iconic annual fundraising event.The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie's annual Pancake Breakfast has been a beloved community tradition for over 25 years, raising funds to support local children's charities.Sault Ste. Marie Today

The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. The volunteer club has spent the past century supporting various children's charities and initiatives in the local community, including the THRIVE Child Development Centre, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and school breakfast programs. The club raises funds through an annual pancake breakfast and 50/50 raffle, and its members share a passion for making a difference in the lives of local youth.

Why it matters

The Kiwanis Club's century-long commitment to serving children in Sault Ste. Marie reflects the enduring importance of community-driven volunteer organizations. In an era of increasing corporate influence, the club's grassroots, mission-driven approach to supporting youth development and well-being stands out as a model for how local groups can have a meaningful, lasting impact.

The details

The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie raises funds through an annual pancake breakfast and 50/50 raffle, using the proceeds to support a variety of children's charities and initiatives. This includes providing monthly donations to the THRIVE Child Development Centre, supplying care packages to the Children's Aid Society, and sponsoring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to encourage early childhood literacy. The club also offers scholarships, sponsors youth leadership programs, and volunteers for the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign.

  • The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie was established on May 20, 1926.
  • The club's 100th anniversary celebration will take place on May 9, 2026 with a Governor's Dinner event.
  • The club's annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, typically held in the spring, was cancelled this year due to a structural issue at the usual venue.

The players

Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie

A local volunteer organization dedicated to supporting children's charities and initiatives in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The club was established in 1926 and currently has 25 members.

THRIVE Child Development Centre

A local organization that receives monthly donations from the Kiwanis Club to provide groceries and other assistance to families in need.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

A program sponsored by the Kiwanis Club that mails free, age-appropriate books to children from birth until age 5 to encourage early childhood literacy.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes there's just not enough money left in the household for the month so the case workers at THRIVE will go out and buy groceries for a family. We're the only club that is doing that at THRIVE. That's huge for us.”

— Susan St. Jules, Kiwanis Club Member

“Every year we have our Kiwanis Kids Day At the Park at Kiwanis Park on Chapple Avenue. I remember a little five-year-old boy who came up and got his hot dog, his drink and a prize - and he said 'this is the best day of my life.'”

— Coralee King, Kiwanis Club Member

What’s next

The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie will hold a special 100th anniversary Governor's Dinner event on May 9, 2026, which will be attended by Kiwanis Governor Cynthia Blackman.

The takeaway

The Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie's century-long commitment to supporting children's charities and initiatives in the local community demonstrates the enduring value of grassroots, mission-driven volunteer organizations. Even as corporate influence grows, the club's focus on making a tangible difference in the lives of young people remains an inspiring model for civic engagement and community service.